Grundfos Foundation brings water to 100 villages; to install solar pumps
The first phase will deliver water to nearly 12,400 people in 28 villages in Orissa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Given that in India over 700,000 villages do not have access to water, an off-grid, self-sustaining solar pumping solution is the quickest way to provide water to millions.

India’s first coral garden to come up at Mithapur coast
The Mithapur Coral Garden will house nearly all coral species found in Gulf of Kutch. Just as in a terrestrial botanical park or garden, the reef will be separated into various sections based on accessibility. ‘Controlled and regulated tourism and diving can be allowed near coral gardens, ultimately helping in conservation awareness of common people..

Sustainable development goals (SDGs) proposed to succeed the MDGs
A UN working group has devised a final draft of ‘sustainable development goals’ (SDGs) to succeed the millennium development goals. The draft includes 17 goals and 169 targets to be achieved by 2030. The Sustainable Development Agenda will address persistent issues and new challenges facing people and the planet. The MDGs faced criticism for not...

They are the most socially conscious consumers
‘We see the strongest propensity to buy socially and environmentally responsible brands among consumers in emerging markets such as the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand. Consumers in these markets are looking for brands that are committed to supporting local communities and improving the state of the environment...

More bio-toilets from Indian Railways
The bio-toilets will not only help in maintaining cleanliness by preventing discharge of human waste on tracks, but will also protect the railway lines from corrosion. The open hole in direct discharge toilets is often also used as a substitute garbage bin. Under the new system, passengers will have to do their bit in order to contribute to optimal

Panasonic re-conceptualizes its CSR; in sync with the law
‘Investments towards social causes have always been made by the company at a global level and return on such investments is only looked at in terms of the impact that they can make at the grassroots of the areas where we work. The motive of these practices is not marketing or business development but the fundamental growth of communities around us –

Environment: World’s largest solar facility to be built in Rajasthan
The project is expected to bring down the prices for solar energy and close a huge gap between power production and power demand in rural areas.
On the other hand, environment experts fear that it may touch Sambhar Lake wetlands protected under the international Ramsar Convention

Arunachal village to tackle power crisis with solar energy
‘The community living around any protected area is the first layer of the protection shield. In order to consolidate the shield, we need to understand the psychology and the needs of the people. The distribution of solar sets will further bridge the conservation support...